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Health law reorganization leaves abortion regulations alone: Snapshot

Louisiana Life March against abortion

Some had feared a lengthy bill fixing technical issues with health regulations would also provide an opportunity to change abortion regulations on the sly. State Rep. Scott Simon, R- Abita Springs, said that wasn't the case. (Julia O'Donoghue, NOLA.com/Times-Picayune)

At a Glance: The House Health and Welfare Committee unanimously passed a bill Wednesday (March 12) that would reorganize and make technical changes to health care regulations. Some feared the bill might be used to significantly alter existing code, including that related to abortion, but the sponsor said the legislation would not result in substantive changes.

The bill: House Bill 667 is sponsored by Rep. Scott Simon, R- Abita Springs, who is also chair of the Health and Welfare Committee. The legislation tweaks several miscellaneous rules and regulations to the state health care laws. The bill runs 132 pages.

The debate: Some were concerned that the bill might make substantive changes to rules and regulations, particularly in controversial areas like abortion. Simon said the bill was more of legal housekeeping measure. It tackles mundane issues, like whether the state and federal government are using the same technical terms.

The vote: Passed unanimously

Next step: Heads to full House

The voice: "If I had an abortion bill, given the temperature of this committee and this House, I would not hide it. I would put a flag on it." -- Simon, saying there is no reason to bury regulation changes that restrict abortion in a larger bill. The Legislature has a fairly aggressive anti-abortion stance.

Bottom line: Simon says there is no funny business in the legislation, regarding abortion or any other subject matter. But it was clear few legislators had actually read through the lengthy bill, so they will have to take his word for it.

Read more: The House Health and Welfare Committee also approved legislation to restrict minors' access to tanning beds.